We had been recommended to do this trip by a few that had travelled the South Island - so pleased we did. The comfortable seating - great breakfast and coffee. The windows nice and big to take in the view. The observation deck perfect for the out side photos. Truely a highlight of our South Island trip. Highly recommended.

It was a wonderful trip. We had driven to Greymouth on a previous visit but this was relaxing and spectacular scenery. We loved it.

My wife and I caught the train from Christchurch to Greymouth and return for a day excursion. It was at the end of April and very cold (and wet). However, the scenery was excellent as the train worked its way through the flatlands and then up the mountains to Arthur's Pass and then down to Greymouth. It was just as... More

In February my husband and I caught the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth. It is fantastic! Even if you have seen other scenery in NZ, it is still a great trip. From Christchurch you head up into the mountains. You get a better view if your seat is on the starboard (right hand) side going towards Greymouth - you... More

Train is pleasant, food is train food(!) sandwich etc. Train goes into the mountains that have been raised by pressure from the two tectonic plates and are still new enough to have scree splopes. Unimpressive for thgose who have travelled Rockies and Alps.

... across the Southern Alps. We traveled Greymouth to Christchurch with good weather (it cleared after a morning of rain, thankfully) which allowed for some awesome views, especially at Arthur's Pass, and especially the gorge that followed. The food available on-board was fairly good as well. There is a very long tunnel just prior to the pass.

Touted as “one of the world’s great scenic train trips” we caught the Greymouth to Christchurch train, full of expectation for the views we were about to see. What a massive disappointment. After the scenery we had seen just driving around in New Zealand, what we saw from the train was not even average. There were a few nice bits... More

Cosy train with nice food in the buffet car. Amazing scenery throughout as you might expect. Entertaining and enlightening commentary on the day we travelled as the headphones weren't working. There's an outdoor viewing area, which gets VERY windy and you have to be steady on your feet! I can't imagine western countries allowing that, think of the health and... More

We did this one way from Greymouth (where we returned the rental car at the station) to Christchurch and it was simply magnificent - over 4 hours of non-stop stunning scenery and the carriages themselves (new in Nov.2012) are very comfortable and excellent for viewing with part-glass roofs. Even so there are two open observation cars as well. Your bags... More